Lecture 17

Metal Matrix Composites

(MMC)

Dr. J. Ramkumar
Professor
Dept of Mechanical & Design Program
IIT Kanpur, India.
 Contents
 Introduction

 Metal Matrix Composites (MMC)

 Classification of Metal Matrix Composites

 Reinforcements for Metal Matrix Composites

 Matrices for Metal Matrix Composites

 Advantages and disadvantages of Metal Matrix Composites

 Historical Perspective
 1939: Glass fiber manufactured commercially for high temperature
electrical applications

 1950s: Boron and carbon fibers were produced to make ropes.

 1960s: Matrix added to make polymeric matrix composites

 Historical Perspective

 1970s: Cold war forces development of metal matrix composites

for military aircrafts and missile guidance systems

 1990s: High temperature ceramic matrix composites are being

aggressively researched for use in next generation aircraft engines
and power plant turbines
Shipments of Composites
Total Shipments in 1995: 3.176 x 109 lb [1.441 x 109 kgs]
Appliance Other
& Business 4%
Equipment 5%
Consumer
Products
6%

Electrical
Transportation
& Electronics
31%
10%
Corrosion-
Resistant
Equipment
12%
Construction
Marine 20%
12%
World Market of Composites
Classification of Composites

Composites

Ceramic Polymer
Metal Matrix
Matrix Matrix
Composites
Composites Composites
 Metal Matrix Composites (MMCs)

Matrix Reinforcement

• Aluminum, MMC • Alumina,

• Magnesium,
• Titanium, • SiC,
• Cobalt • Zirconia,
• Cobalt–nickel • TiN,
etc.
• CBN etc.
 Classification of MMCs

Mistry et. al. "Research review of diversified reinforcement on aluminum metal matrix composites: fabrication processes and
mechanical characterization." Science and Engineering of Composite Materials.
Metal Matrix Composites (MMC)
• A metal matrix composite (MMC) is composite material with at
least two constituent parts, one being a metal necessarily, the other
material may be a different metal or another material, such as a
ceramics or organic compound.

• Reinforcement: Alumina, SiC, Zirconia, TiN, cBN (cubic boron

nitride) etc.
• Matrix: Aluminum, Steel, Magnesium, Titanium, Cobalt and Cobalt–
nickel etc.
Metal Matrix Composites (MMC)

Hussain, Vijay et al. "Development of TiN particulates reinforced SS316 based metal matrix composite by direct
metal laser sintering technique and its characterization." Optics & Laser Technology 97 (2017): 46-59.
Reinforcements for MMC
The following demands are generally applicable:
 Low density
 Mechanical compatibility Thermal stability
 High Young’s modulus
 High compression and tensile strength
 Good process ability
 Economic efficiency
Reinforcements for MMC
• The reinforcement material is embedded into the matrix to
enhance or reduce their properties like wear resistance,
hardness, density, porosity, mechanical strength, thermal
expansion, thermal and electric conductivities.

• The reinforcement can be either continuous or discontinuous

Reinforcements for MMC
FESEM of embedded reinforcement in matrix

Hussain, Vijay., et al. "Experimental study of microstructure, mechanical and tribological properties of cBN particulates SS316 alloy
based MMCs fabricated by DMLS technique." Journal of Mechanical Science and Technology 31.6 (2017): 2729-2737.
Reinforcements for MMC
Matrices for MMC
 The matrix is the monolithic material into which the
reinforcement is embedded, and is completely continuous.

 In structural applications, the matrix is usually a lighter metal such

as aluminum, magnesium, or titanium, and provides a compliant
support for the reinforcement. In high-temperature applications,
cobalt and cobalt–nickel alloy matrices are common.
Matrices for MMC

Matrices
Different matrix for MMC
1. Aluminum Matrix Composites (AMC)

2. Magnesium Matrix Composite

3. Copper Matrix Composites

4. Titanium Matrix Composite

Different matrix for MMC
1. Aluminum Matrix Composites (AMC)

• This is the widest group of Metal Matrix Composites.

• Matrices of Aluminum Matrix Composites are usually based on

aluminum-silicon (Al-Si) alloys and on the alloys of 2xxx and 6xxx
series.

Aluminum Matrix Composites (AMC) are reinforced by:

• Alumina (Al2O3) or silicon carbide (SiC) particles in amounts 15-70

vol%;

• Continuous fibers of alumina, silicon carbide, Graphite (long-fiber

reinforced composites);

• Discontinuous fibers of alumina (short-fiber reinforced composites);

Different matrix for MMC
1. Aluminum Matrix Composites (AMC)

Aluminum Matrix Composites are manufactured by the following

fabrication methods:

• Powder metallurgy(sintering);

• Stir casting;

• Infiltration.
1. Aluminum Matrix Composites (AMC)

The following properties are typical for Aluminum Matrix

Composites:

• High strength even at elevated temperatures;

• High stiffness (modulus of elasticity);

• Low density;

• High thermal conductivity;

• Excellent abrasion resistance;

• It used for manufacturing automotive parts (pistons, pushrods,

brake components), brake rotors for high speed trains,
bicycles, golf clubs, electronic substrates, cors for high voltage
electrical cables.
2. Magnesium Matrix Composite

Magnesium Matrix Composites are reinforced mainly by Silicon carbide

(SiC) particles.

The following properties are typical for Magnesium Matrix Composites:

• Low density;

• High stiffness (modulus of elasticity);

• High wear resistance;

• Good strength even at elevated temperatures;

• Good creep resistance;

• It used for manufacturing components for racing cars, lightweight

automotive brake system, aircraft parts for: gearboxes, transmissions,
compressors and engine
3. Copper Matrix Composite

Copper Matrix Composites are reinforced by:

• continuous fibers of carbon
• Silicon Carbide (SiC)
• Tungsten (W)
• Stainless steel 304 (long-fiber reinforced composites)

Copper Matrix Composites are manufactured by the following

fabrication methods:
• Powder metallurgy (sintering) and
• infiltration technique.
3. Copper Matrix Composite

The following properties are typical for Copper Matrix Composites:

• Low coefficient of thermal expansion;

• High stiffness (modulus of elasticity);

• Good electrical conductivity;

• High thermal conductivity;

• Good wear resistance;

• Copper Matrix Composites are used for manufacturing hybride

modules, electronic relays, electrically conducting springs and other
electrical and electronic components
4. Titanium Matrix Composite

Titanium Matrix Composites are reinforced mainly by:

• Continuous monofilament silicon carbide fiber (long-fiber reinforced

composites);

• Titanium boride (TiB2) and titanium carbide (TiC) particles

(particulate composites);

Titanium Matrix Composites are manufactured by Powder metallurgy

(sintering).
4. Titanium Matrix Composite

The following properties are typical for Titanium Matrix Composites:

• High strength;

• High stiffness (modulus of elasticity);

• High creep resistance;

• High thermal stability;

• High wear resistance.

• Titanium Matrix Composites are used for manufacturing structural

components of the F-16 jet’s landing gear, turbine engine components
(fan blades, actuator pistons, synchronization rings, connecting links,
shafts, discs), automotive engine components, drive train parts,
general machine components.
4. Titanium Matrix Composite

• Titanium Matrix Composites are used for manufacturing structural

components of the F-16 jet’s landing gear, turbine engine components
(fan blades, actuator pistons, synchronization rings, connecting links,
shafts, discs), automotive engine components, drive train parts,
general machine components.

Matrix component
Advantages of MMC
• Higher temperature capability

• Fire resistance

• Higher transverse stiffness and strength

• No moisture absorption

• Higher electrical and thermal conductivities

• Better radiation resistance

• Higher specific strength and modulus over metals.

• Lower coefficients of thermal expansion than metals by reinforcing

with graphite.
• Fabric ability of whisker and particulate-reinforced MMCs with

conventional metalworking equipment.

Disadvantages of MMC
• Higher cost of some material systems .

• Relatively immature technology .

• Complex fabrication methods for fiber-reinforced systems

(except for casting).
Metal Matrix Composites: applications
Space applications
Metal Matrix Composites: applications
Automotive applications – brake discs and drums
Metal Matrix Composites: applications
Automotive applications – brake discs
Metal Matrix Composites: applications
Automotive applications – drive shafts
Metal Matrix Composites: applications
Automotive applications – engine
Metal Matrix Composites: applications
Railway applications – brake discs and drums
Metal Matrix Composites: applications
Aerospace applications
Metal Matrix Composites: applications
Aerospace applications – vanes
Metal Matrix Composites: applications
Aerospace applications
Metal Matrix Composites: applications
Power transmission – composite conductors
Metal Matrix Composites: applications
Gas turbine
Metal Matrix Composites: applications
Market forecasts
Assignment
Assignment

What kind of composite do you suggest for

Bio medical applications.?
What are their essential properties?